VehicleVerdict

2020 Mazda CX-9 problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 25 complaints on file for the 2020 Mazda CX-9 — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

25

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other CX-9 years?

CX-9 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted263 complaints2007: 121 complaints2008: 234 complaints2009: 66 complaints2010: 229 complaints2011: 209 complaints2012: 263 complaints2013: 80 complaints2014: 73 complaints2015: 45 complaints2016: 141 complaints2017: 78 complaints2018: 165 complaints2019: 70 complaints2020: 25 complaints2021: 42 complaints2022: 13 complaints2023: 17 complaints
CX-9 NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all CX-9 years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Mazda CX-9 problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine520%
Electrical System416%
Other312%
Driver Assistance312%
Fuel System312%
Brakes28%
Transmission28%
Tires & Wheels14%
Visibility & Wipers14%
Body & Structure14%

Does the 2020 Mazda CX-9 have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V750000SeatsSeptember 27, 2021 · 8,648 units

Defect

Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) is recalling certain 2020-2021 CX-9 vehicles equipped with 60/40 split bench second-row seats. The left-side second-row seat may unexpectedly slide forward during a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."

Consequence

A seat that slides forward during a crash can transfer excessive force onto a belted occupant, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the internal parts of the affected second-row seats, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 4, 2021. Owners may contact Mazda customer service at 1-800-222-5500, Option 4. Mazda's number for this recall is 5221I.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The vehicle was overheating and a message came up that power will be reduced. Then it would go away and come up every 3 minutes while driving. I brought it to the service center, we filled it up with coolant and the issue kept coming back this time with a lot of white smoke coming out at vehicle…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · April 12, 2025

“The information screen is getting 'spider cracks" spreading across the face and turning opaque making the information unreadable. Mazda is apparently aware of this defect and issued a TSB for earlier models. Dealers were unhelpful and quoted $1000 - $3000 to repair depending on the VIN.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 1, 2025

“The mazda Cx-9 is having the same fuel pump issues that was recalled up until 2018 models. The issue with the lean codes and faulty fuel pump continues”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 1, 2026

“The information screen is getting 'spider cracks" spreading across the face and turning opaque making the information unreadable. Mazda is apparently aware of this defect and issued a TSB for earlier models. Dealers were unhelpful and quoted $1000 - $3000 to repair depending on the VIN.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 1, 2025

“Warning signal front camera sensor system malfunction Forward Smart City Brake Support malfunction When this initial happen the steering wheel becomes hard to maneuver than releases The front and back cameras are clear from any debris or obstructions What should I do next? ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · March 9, 2026

2020 Mazda CX-9 — common questions

Is the 2020 Mazda CX-9 reliable?

The record is thin — 25 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2020 CX-9 problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (5 complaints), electrical system (4 complaints), fuel system (3 complaints).

Does the 2020 Mazda CX-9 have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2020 Mazda CX-9. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Mazda CX-9 years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the CX-9 years to avoid are 2012, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2018, 2016, 2007. The cleanest record among CX-9 years belongs to 2022.

How safe is the 2020 Mazda CX-9?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Mazda CX-9 earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.